Electrical system for internal combustion engines



Dec. 18, 1934. L WERTZ 1,985,129

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES Filed May 51, 1950 55 uvVizvTol L Y Daniel Ll Vertz A TTORNEYY UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES Daniel L. Wertz, Elmira, N. Y., assignor to Eclipse Machine Company, Elmira, N. Y., a corporation of New York Application May 31, 1930, Serial No. 458,024

10 Claims. (Cl. 290-38) This invention relates to electrical systems for eluding a lock switch which is adapted to initiate internal combustion engines and more particthe actuation of the automatic operating device ularly to such systems including automatic startand thereafter is connected to control the igniing mechanism in which the automatic starting tion circuit.

mechanism and the ignition systems have pro- Further objects and advantages will be appar- 5 visions for preventing unauthorized operation of ent to those skilled in the art from the followthe power plant. The term automatic starting description taken in connection with the acing mechanism as used in this specification and companying drawing in which: the claims appended hereto refers to starting Fig. 1 is a semi-diagrammatic illustration of systems of the type which automatically iuncone embodiment of the present invention; and 10 tion in case of engine stall to restart the engine Fig. 2 is an enlarged sectional detail taken without requiring any manual operation. substantially on the line 2--2 of Fig. 1.

Means have heretofore been provided for pre- In Fig. 1 of the drawing there is illustrated a venting unauthorized use of internal combustion conventional form of starting and ignition sys-= engines by means of lock switches controlling the tem including a battery 10 having one terminal 15 ignition circuits thereof, the leads from said grounded as at 11 and the other terminal conswitches being protected by armored cable or nected by means of a lead 12 through ammeter the like. Such devices have also incorporated A, lead 13, automatic cut-out 14 and lead 15 to means for grounding the ignition circuits when one terminal of a generator G, the other terthe ignition switches were open so as to prevent minal of which is grounded as indicated at 16. 20 the use of jumper wires around the switches, or It will be understood that the generator G is of separate coils or batteries. Automatic startsuitably connected to be driven by the internal ing systems which have been hitherto devised in combustion engine, not illustrated, whereby the which the starter is adapted'to be automatically generator serves to charge the battery during operated upon closure of the ignition switch the operation of the engine. 25 have in general however not been protected fur- An automatic operating device indicated genther than by the use of some form of lock for orally at 17 is adapted to actuate a starting the ignition switch. motor SM by means of current from battery 10 It is an object of the present invention to proconducted by a lead 18 to a starting switch 19,

vide a novel automatic starting and ignition sys- 20, 21, through a single turn coil 22 and by a' 30 tem for internal combustion engines including lead 23 to one terminal of said motor, the opponovel means for protecting the same against site terminal of which is grounded as'indicated unauthorized use of the power plant. at 24. The insulated movable switch member 20 Another object of the invention is to provide is operated by a solenoid 25 which is arranged such a system including a lock switch adapted to be connected to the battery 10 by means of 35 to control the ignition circuit in which the cona lead 26, hinged switch member 27 (Fig. 2), nection from the lock switch to the timing contacts 28, 29, leads 30 and 18. The other termechanism of the ignition circuit is protected minal of solenoid 25 is connected to the ground by a theft-resisting sheath. by a lead 31, normally closed relay contacts 32,- A further object is to provide such a system 33 and ground connection indicated at 34. 4c in which a single lock switch is. adapted to con- Contact 33 is formed on the end of a relay trol both the ignition system and the actuation plunger 35 and is normally held against staof the automatic operating device for the starttionary contact 32 by means such as a spring ing mechanism. 36. Contact 33 is also held magnetically in Another object is to provide such a system closed position during the operation of the 45 in which the automatic operating device for the starting motor by the single turn coil 22 which starting mechanism is connected to the lock is traversed by the starting current. A mag= switch and/or the timing mechanism by a theftnetic pole piece 22' for coil 22 is provided for resisting sheath. controlling the magnetic efiect of coil 22 on A still further object is the provision of such plunger 35, and is adjustable toward and from 59 a system in which a lock switch initially consaid plunger to secure the desired attractive trols the automatic operating device, and the force thereon. operation of the automatic operating device A coil 37 is arranged to surround the plunger closes the ignition circuit. 35 and is connected at one end by a lead 38 t Another Object is to P ovide suc a syst m into the starting motor lead 23 and at its other 55 end to the ground by means of a lead 39. Coil 37 is adapted to open the contact 33 when the current through the single turn coil 22 is sufficiently weakened by the relief of the load on the starting motor when the engine starts. A second coil 40 is also arranged to surround the ,plunger 35, and is connected at one end by a lead 41 to the generator G and at its other end to the ground through lead 39. This coil is adapted to hold the contact 33 open so long as the generatorJG is in operation.

) The ignition circuit of the internal combustion engine includes a timing mechanism indicated generally at 42 which is connected by means of a lead 43 to a second switch member 44 hinged substantially in alinement with switch member 27 and carrying a contact member 45. Contact member 45 is adapted to cooperate with a fixed contact member 46 which is connected by a lead 47 to a manual lock switch 48 of any suitable type. Switch 48 is connected by a lead 49 to the primary 50 of the ignition .coil 51, the opposite end of said primary being connected by a lead 52 to the battery 10.

The automatic operating device 17 is provided with a suitable casing such as indicated at 53.

'set portion 56 of switch member 27 which overlaps the edge of switch member '44 but is insulated therefrom as indicated at 57.

Switch member 27 carries a second contact 60 on the opposite side from contact 28 which is adapted to cooperate with a fixed contact 61 suitably insulated from casing 53 as indicated at 62. Contact 61 is connected to thelock switch 48 by lead 63 whereby initial energization of solenoid 25 is secured upon closure of lock switch 48. Switch member 44 also carries 'a contact 64 on the opposite side from contact 45 and adapted to cooperate with a fixed contact 65, which is grounded as indicated at 66. Means is provided such,as a spring 58 to maintain both switch members with their contacts 28 and 45 open and contacts 60 and 64 normally closed, said spring being connected to and insulated from the casing 53 by suitable means such as an angle bracket 59.

Switch members 27 and 44 are formed of magnetic material and are located opposite. fixed pole pieces 69 and 70 of solenoid 25 and coils 37 and 40 respectively. Energization of solenoid 25 accordingly will move-switch member 27 in a direction to open contact 60 and close contact 28. It will be understood that contacts 61 and 29 may, if deemed desirable, be yieldably mounted as by means of short spring strips in order to effect closure of contacts 28, 29 before opening of contacts 60, 61. The overlapping portion 56 of switch member 27 moves switch member 44 in a direction to open contact 64 and close contact 45. Energization of coils 37 and/or 40 will attract switch member 44 to open contact 54 and close contact 45.

In operation, and starting with the parts in the positions illustrated, closure of lock switch 48 by the operator completes a circuit from battery 10 through lead 52, primary 50 of ignition coil 51, lead 49, switch 48, lead 63, contacts 61, 60, switch member 27, lead 26, solenoid 25, lead 31, contacts 32, 33 to the ground at 34. The consequent energization of the solenoid 25 attracts" switch member 27, closing contact 23. This completes a direct connection from the battery 10 to solenoid 25 through lead 30 to contact 29 whereby the solenoid 25 is fully energized by the battery 10. Starting switch member 20 is thereupon drawn into contact with switch members 19 and 21, thus completing the starting circuit from battery 10 through lead 18, switch members 19, 20, 21, single turn coil 22 and lead 23 to the starting motor SM, the circuit being completed through the ground at 24. At this time the coil 37 is also energized from the starting motor circuit through leads 38 and 39 to the ground, so that this coil tends to move the contact 33 into open position, but this is prevented by the single turn coil 22 while the latter is being traversed by the heavy starting current.

The switch member 27 when attracted by solenoid 25 also carries with it switch member 44 causing the opening oi contact 64 and closure of contact 45. This completes the ignition circuit from battery 10 through lead 52, coil 51, lead 49, switch 48, lead 47, contacts 46, 45, switch member 44 and lead 43 to the timing mechanism 42. The energization of coil 37 also attracts switch member 44 to close contact 45, so that the mechanical connection 56 between the switch members 27 and 44 may be omitted if so desired.

When the engine starts, the load on the starting motor is relieved, thus greatly reducing the current traversing the starting circuit. This weakens the effect of the single turn coil 22 and at the same time raises the voltage applied to the coil 37 whereby the coil 37 is enabled to open the contact 33 thus breaking the circuit through solenoid 25. Switch member 20 is thereupon moved to its open position by means of spring 71, thus disconnecting the battery from the starting motor and from coil 37. Coil 37 however retains suflicient magnetism to hold contact 33 in its open position and contact 45 in its closed position by reason of a small'amount of current generated by the armature of the starting motor spinning by momentum in its residual field. This current flows through coil 37 to the ground at 39, and suffices to retain contacts 33 and 45 in running position altho it is not strong enough to have any appreciable depolarizing effect on the residual field of the motor. Before the motor armature has stopped spinn the generator G driven by the engine has built up sufllcient voltage to energize. coil 40 and thus retain contact member 33 open, and contact 45 closed, to maintain the ignition circuit closed as long as the engine is in operation. When the engine stops for any reason, the coil 40 is deenergized and allows the springs 38 and 58 to expand, thereby closing contact 33 and opening contact 45. If the lock switch 48 has been left in its closed position, solenoid 25 will thereupon mamas running position. The coil 37 then serves as above explained to hold said contacts in running position till'the starting motor comes substantially to rest whereupon the contacts are released and the starting operation repeated.

To stop the engine and lock the device against unauthorized operation, it is merely necessary to manipulate the lock switch 48 to its open position as illustrated, whereupon the ignition and starting circuits are opened and the timing mechanism 42 is grounded through lead 43, contacts 64 and 65 and the ground connection 66. Under these circumstances, it will be apparent that the operation of the engine will be impossible without dismantling the timer and substituting a new one therefor or cutting open the casings or protective sheaths. Since these elements are intended to be constructed of highly resistant material, it is evident that these operations would be sufficiently diflicult to deter the unauthorized use of the power plant.

Although but one embodiment of the invention has been shown and described in detail, it will be understood that this embodiment is not exclusive, and that changes may be made in the details of construction and dimensions of the parts and substitutions may be made in the form and arrangement of the elements without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Reference will therefore be had to the claims hereto appended for ajdefinition of the scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. In an electrical system for internal com' bustion engines, a starting circuit including a motor and a magnetic starting switch, an ignition circuit including an ignition switch, a manual switch for controlling the magnetic starting switch, means whereby energization of the starter switch closes the ignition switch, and means for causing the starter switch to open when the engine starts, said lastmeans being arranged to maintain said ignition switch closed as long is the engine is in operation.

2. In an electrical system for internal combustion engines, a starting circuit including a motor and a magnetic starting switch, an ignition circuit including anignition switch, a manual switch in series with said ignition switch and arranged for energizing the magnetic starter switch, means whereby closure of the starter switch causes closure of the ignition switch, and

means for opening the starter switch when the engine starts and for maintaining said starter switch open as long as the engine is in operation, said means for maintaining the starter switch open being also arranged to maintain said ignition switch closed.

3. In an automatic starting system for internal combustion engines, a starting circuit including a motor and a switch, an automatic operating device for the switch, a manual lock type switch for energizing said automatic operating device, a timing mechanism for the ignition system, a casing for said automatic operating device, an ignition switch within said casing and arranged to be operated by said automatic operating device, theft resisting metallic sheaths connecting the lock switch and the timing mechanism to said casing, and means including contacts arranged to ground said timing mechanism when the ignition switch is open.

4. In an electrical system for internal combustion engines, an automatic starting circuit including a motor and a starting switch, an

ignition circuit, a manual locl; switch, means whereby said lock switch initially controls said starting switch and thereafter controls said ignition circuit, protective sheathing for said ignition circuit andsaid lock switch to prevent unauthorized operation of the engine, and means for automatically grounding the ignition circuit, except during the starting and running of the engine.

5. In an electrical system for internal combustion engines, an automatic starting circuit including a motor and a starting switch, an ignition circuit, a manual lock switch, means whereby said lock switch initially controls said starting switch and thereafter controls said ignition circuit, protective sheathing for said ignition circuit and said lock switch to prevent unauthorized operation of the engine, and a ground switch for the ignition circuit said switch being normally closed but being opened by the closing of said starting switch.

6. In an electrical system for internal combustion engines, a starting circuit including a battery, a motor, and a starting switch, an ig nition circuit, an automatic operating device for said starting switch including electro-magnetic means for closing the starting switch, means including a manual switch for causing the energization of said closing means, means including contacts operated by said electromagnetic means for maintaining the energization of said closing means, and means operated by said closing means for completing said ignition circuit through said manual switch.

7. In an electrical system for internal combustion engines, a starting circuit including a motor and a starting switch, an ignition circuit, an automatic operating device for said starting switch including means for closing the starting switch and means for deenergizing said closing means while the engine is in operation, manual means for causing the energization of said closing means, means operated by said closing means for maintaining the energization of said closing means, and means for completing said ignition circuit adapted to be operated by said closing means, said ignition circuit completing means being retained in operative position by said deenergizing means while the engine is in operation, irrespective of said closing means.

8. In an electrical system for internal combustion engines, a starting circuit including a motor and astarting switch, an ignition circuit including an ignition switch, a solenoid for closing the starting switch, a magnetic relay switch for .deenergizing said solenoid while the engine is in operation, a manual lock switch adapted to control the initial energization of said solenoid, means operated by said solenoid for maintaining said solenoid energized during the starting operation and for closing said ignition circuit through said lock switch, and means operated by said relay magnet for maintaining said ignition circuit closed through said lock switch irrespective of the deenergization of said solenoid.

9. In an electrical system for internal combustion engines, a starting circuit including a motor and a starting switch, an ignition circuit including an ignition switch and timing mechanism, a solenoid for closing the starting switch, a magnetic relay switch for deenergizing said solenoid while the engine is in operation, a manual lock switch adapted to control the initial energization of said solenoid, means operated by said solenoid for maintaining said solenoid energized during the starting operation and for closing said ignition circuit through said lock switch, means operated by said relay magnet for maintaining said ignition circuit closed through said lock switch irrespective of the deenergization of said solenoid, and theft-resisting sheaths connecting the lock switch and automatic switches to the timing mechanism.

10. In an electrical system for internal combustion engines, a starting circuit including a motor and a magnetic starting switch, an ignition circuit including an ignition switch and timing mechanism, a casing for said starting and ignition switch, a manual lock type switch 101' controlling the magnetic starting switch, means whereby energization of the starting switch closes the ignition switch, means causing the starting switch to open when the engine starts, said last means being arranged to maintain said ignition switch closed as long as the engine is in operation, and theft resisting sheaths connecting the lock switch to the casl0 ing and the casing to the timing mechanism. DANIEL L. WERTZ. 

